Rotating Lock Mechanism for Ground Engaging Tool Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retainer systems for ground engaging tools on earth-working machines are inefficient in securely attaching and detaching tools, leading to wear and damage during operations, and often require complex configurations and additional components.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with detent projections and recesses that securely attaches and detaches ground engaging tools from adapters using a rotating mechanism, allowing for easy replacement of worn tools and reducing the need for complex shapes and additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating lock mechanism with slot and post is used to attach ground engaging tools, then the ground engaging tool can be securely locked to the work tool, but the retainer system becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer bushing and lock cavity are merged into a single integrated component. The retainer bushing contains the lock cavity and provides both the rotational constraint and the locking interface, eliminating the need for separate retainer components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment functionality
2Duration of action of stationary object
If customized retainer systems are used to protect implements against wear, then the useful life of implements is prolonged, but the attachment and detachment process becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism uses a simple rotational motion to transition between locked and unlocked states. The operator can quickly rotate the lock to detach the ground engaging tool or secure it in place, enabling rapid tool replacement while maintaining protective functionality throughout the implement's service life
3Reliability
If the lock is positioned in a retainer bushing with lock cavity, then the ground engaging tool can be locked to the work tool, but the system requires additional components and complex configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer bushing and lock cavity are merged into a single integrated component. The retainer bushing contains the lock cavity and provides both the rotational constraint and the locking interface, eliminating the need for separate retainer components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock (60) for a ground engaging tool (30) may have a head portion (80) with at least one compressible detent projection (67). The lock may also have a C-shaped skirt (63) extending from the head portion. The skirt may define a lock slot (62) for receiving a post (23) to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The tool may have an interior surface (100). The tool may also have an exterior surface (101) defining a front edge (31) of the tool. In addition, the tool may have a rear surface (102) substantially opposite the front edge. The rear surface may connect the interior surface to the exterior surface. The tool may also have a lock opening surface (104). The lock opening surface may define a lock opening (40) extending from the interior surface, through the tool, to the exterior surface. The lock opening surface may have a generally circular inner portion (105) adjacent the interior surface. The inner portion may define a groove (107) in the tool positioned circumferentially around the lock opening. In addition, the inner portion may define at least one detent recess (77) in the tool along the groove. The lock opening surface may also have a generally circular outer portion (106) adjacent the exterior surface.